The next time New Yorkers find themselves on the brink of an alien invasion, they may just have to fend for themselves because apparently production for The Avengers 2 is at a serious standstill!

Marvel is in full on panic mode as they scramble to reunite the all star cast, but some of the actors are no longer on contract and aren't looking to sign on unless they see some more cash!

Robert Downey Jr. recently wrapped up his contract and he's hinted at an early retirement for Tony Stark. Considering Iron Man 3 has given him one of the biggest paydays of his career, Marvel is going to have to cough up some serious dough if they want him to come back!

The Dark Knight Rises has reportedly pulled in $431.2 million domestically, and $574 overseas…which combined, makes it the 13th film ever to total over a billion dollars, with an estimated, collective $1.005!

And yes, that means the the concluding chapter the Christopher Nolan-directed Batman trilogy has beaten

Joss Whedon, the man the myth the legend responsible for writing and directing The Avengers has signed up to give audiences more of the same.

Furthermore, Joss, a.k.a. the guy who created Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly, is returning to his small screen roots in an attempt to help ABC develop a live action TV show that exists in the same comic book universe.

Marvel bigwigs announced the fantabulous news in a statement on Monday, saying: